AIC rugby: Rich history associated with the Jack Cannon Souths Magpies trophy
The Jack Cannon Souths Magpies Trophy has the DNA of rugby legends all over it after St Laurence’s College claimed the trophy following its round 1 win over Villanova College last Saturday.
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The Jack Cannon Souths Magpies Trophy has the DNA of rugby legends all over it after St Laurence’s College claimed the treasured trophy following its round 1 win over Villanova College last Saturday.
The trophy was instigated two years ago by Souths rugby club rugby great Peter “Doubles’’ Daly.
It is named after the mighty Cannon family and with modern day links to legendary rugby writer, the late Frank O’Callaghan.
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Jack Cannon, a long serving Souths administrator, was “a great supporter of rugby of Lauries, Villa and Souths rugby’’ who had either sons, grandchildren or great grandchildren play for all three.
The most well known of his grandchildren is former Wallaby Brendan Cannon.
But many Cannons played or were involved in rugby, including Brendan’s brother Paul who was once Laurie’s First XV captain.
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Jack Cannon’s son Neil said his dad was “not into all this glory stuff’’ of having a trophy names after him, but in retrospect he would be proud to see the family name honoured given their contributions to both St Laurence’s College and Villanova College.
“He would be very honoured to see his great grandchildren play and grandchildren play and a trophy with his name on it, he would be very proud,’’ Neil Cannon said.
The Cannon’s history at both St Laurence’s and Souths rugby is well known through the deeds of Brendan and Paul, but less known is the family’s links to Villanova College where Neil and his brother Michael attended.
In addition, Neil and Michael’s sisters, Judith and Marie. sent their children to Villanova College which forced Jack Cannon to “sit on the fence’’ whenever Villanova College played St Laurence’s College in rugby.
And in another twist to the rich rugby heritage circling this story, Laura’s son Tom is a current Laurie’s First XV second rower.
He is the grandson of the great The Courier-Mail journalist Frank O’Callaghan, known in rugby circles as “Frank O’Rugby’’.
St Laurence’s principal Chris Leadbetter added: “It is great that we can recognise the great dedication and commitment of both Jack and his family throughout the years to not only St Laurence’s, but the Villanova and Souths Rugby Community with this trophy.
“Competition between the two schools is always challenging and this years match was no different.”